Having a dishwasher door that won’t close correctly can be quite frustrating and can stop you from using your dishwashing machine efficiently, regardless of the type of dishwasher.
Fortunately, several easy-to-do fixes can help you get your dishwasher door working properly again.
This post will look at the top 7 ways to repair a broken dishwasher door. We will also list typical reasons and step-by-step instructions for each remedy technique.
So, whether you have a malfunctioning metal latch, worn-out hinges, or a misaligned door, this article covers you with the most accessible and most efficient techniques to get your dishwasher door mended and restored in working order.
Why is Your Dishwasher Door Not Closing?
If your dishwasher door doesn’t close properly, there are a few potential issues to consider.
Here are some of the most common reasons and circumstances that might cause your dishwasher door to malfunction:
1. Obstruction in the Doorway
If there are obstructions of any kind in the doorway, like a large dish or utensil, then it can prevent the dishwasher door from closing.
Remove the obstacle and attempt again to close the door.
2. Misaligned Door Latch
If the dishwasher door latch is not aligned correctly, it may not engage properly and prevent it from closing.
This phenomenon can occur due to wear and tear or an accidental knock or bump.
To resolve this issue, you will need to either alter the location of the door latch or replace it entirely.
3. Damaged Door Seal
When the door is correctly closed, the door seal is a rubber gasket that wraps around the dishwasher’s edge and helps establish a watertight seal.
If this seal is worn out or damaged, it can stop the dishwasher door from closing correctly.
You will need to replace the damaged seal to fix the issue.
4. Worn Door Hinges
Over time, the door hinges on a dishwasher can wear out and become loose; when this happens, your dishwasher door may fail to close properly.
To fix this problem, replace the worn-out and damaged hinges with newer ones.
5. Warped Door
A warped dishwasher door can also prevent it from closing correctly. This can occur due to high heat or pressure built up over time or physical damage to the door.
In this instance, you may need the aid of a professional specialist to repair or replace the door.
6. Loose or Worn Springs
Dishwasher doors are equipped with springs that help keep them balanced and open and close smoothly.
If those springs are loose or worn out, the door will not close appropriately. The springs may need to be changed.
7. Control Panel Malfunction
Sometimes, a dishwasher’s control panel malfunction can prevent the door from closing properly. This can happen if the electronic components that control the door’s locking mechanism are damaged or faulty.
So what happens when the entire control panel fails or is damaged? You can call a professional or expert to repair or replace the faulty or damaged control panel in that situation.
How to Fix a Dishwasher Door that Won’t Close
If your dishwasher door doesn’t close properly, then take note of the following steps to fix the problem:
1. Check for Obstructions
When fixing a malfunctioning dishwasher door, the first step is to check the door and areas around the door for obstructions.
There may be lingering obstructions around the door preventing it from closing. This can include anything from dishes or utensils to larger items like pots or pans placed on the dishwasher rack blocking the door and preventing it from fully closing.
To fix this issue, remove any obstructions and try closing the door again.
2. Adjust the Door Latch
Inspect the door latch assembly if you can’t find anything blocking the door.
When checking the door latch, ensure it is properly attached. The latch keeps the dishwasher door closed throughout the wash cycle. If the door latch is not appropriately placed or becomes damaged, it can prevent the dishwasher from closing.
To modify the latch, first unscrew the screws that hold it in place. Then move the door latch up or down until it aligns properly with the strike plate. Finally, tighten the screws firmly and test to see if the door will close properly.
3. Replace the Door Latch
If your appliance’s door latch is damaged, you must repair it.
To change the door latch, cut off the power supply to the dishwasher to avoid any electrical accident, then carefully remove the screws holding the old latch in place and disconnect the wires attached to it.
Install the new latch following the manufacturer’s instructions and reattach any wires. Finally, test the door to see if it closes properly.
4. Check the Door Springs
Another potential cause of a dishwasher door that won’t close is a problem with the door springs. The dishwasher door springs help balance the door’s weight and ensure it closes smoothly. They can prevent the door from closing if they are damaged or worn.
To check the dishwasher door springs, first, open the dishwasher door and locate the springs on either side. Examine the item for evidence of deterioration or wear, such as apparent cracks or straining.
If the door springs are old or broken, they must be replaced.
5. Replace the Door Springs
If the door springs become broken or worn, they must be replaced.
To change the door springs of your dishwasher, first cut off the power supply to the appliance before locating the springs on either side of the door. Next, remove the springs holding them in place.
Install the new springs following the manufacturer’s instructions and reattach any screws. Finally, test the door to see if it closes properly.
6. Adjust the Door Hinges
If the door hinges are not properly aligned or become damaged, then the dishwasher will not close properly.
To adjust the hinges, first, open the dishwasher door and locate the screws holding the hinges in place. Loosen these screws and adjust the hinges up or down until they are appropriately aligned. Then, gently replace the screws and check if the door closes correctly.
7. Replace the Door Hinges
A replacement will be the best option if the dishwasher door hinges are worn out or damaged beyond repair.
To replace the hinges, cut off the power supply to the dishwasher, locate the screws holding the hinges in place, and remove them.
Install the new hinges following the manufacturer’s instructions and reattach any screws. Finally, test the door to see if it closes properly.
FAQs
Will a dishwasher start if the door isn’t closed?
Most of the time, dishwashers will not run or start when the door is not closed fully.
Every dishwasher has a door latch as a safety precaution that prevents the dishwasher from operating if the door is not properly closed.
This is because if the door is opened, even partially, water may leak out from the dishwasher, which may cause harm or damage to your home.
Also, running a dishwasher with an open door is unsafe. Why? Because it can cause water to splash out of the appliance, which can cause an accident or injury.
Therefore, if your dishwasher door is not closing properly, ensure the problem is addressed before attempting to run the dishwasher.
Is it OK to open a dishwasher while it’s running?
Opening a dishwasher while running is generally not recommended, as it can interrupt the cycle and potentially cause water to splash out, resulting in an accident or injury. The high temperature inside the dishwasher can also pose a burn risk if the door is opened.
However, some modern dishwashers have a feature that allows you to pause the cycle and open the door to add or remove dishes. Still, it’s crucial to confirm from the user manual that this feature is available for you and check how to use it safely.
If you need to open the dishwasher, wait until it has completed its cycle and has entirely stopped before opening the door.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
